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responsible

re·spon·si·ble [ ri spónssəb'l ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. answerable to somebody: accountable to somebody for an action or for the successful carrying out of a duty
Jo was responsible for that phase of the project.

2. being to blame for something: being the cause of something, usually something wrong or disapproved of
Who's responsible for this mess?

3. important: conferring the authority to make decisions independently and requiring conscientiousness and trustworthiness
in a responsible position

4. reliable: able to be counted on owing to qualities of conscientiousness and trustworthiness
very responsible for his age

5. finance financially sound: having adequate means to meet financial obligations

[Late 16th century. < obsolete French, "corresponding" < Latin respons-, past participle of respondere (see respond)]

re·spon·si·ble·ness noun
re·spon·si·bly [ ri spónssəblee ] adverb
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